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Teacher Education student awarded grant in the 2016-2017 Fulbright U.S. Student Program

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides grants for individually designed study/research projects or for English Teaching Assistant Programs in a country outside of the United States. During their grant period, students will meet, work, live with and learn from the people of the host country, sharing daily experiences and gaining appreciation of the culture.

Here’s what Rebekah had to say about her opportunity:

“I will be teaching English at a university in Turkey for 10 months. In addition to teaching, I plan to start an English conversation club in the community in which I am placed. The conversation club will not only be a place for Turkish students to learn English, but also a place for me to learn about Turkish culture and to share my culture.

I have wanted to teach English abroad since I can remember, but never knew how I would go about pursuing that dream. After learning about Fulbright’s mission of intercultural exchange and the potential opportunities in dozens of countries, I knew it was something I would apply for. As I learned more about Fulbright through the application process, I grew more excited not only about the opportunities to teach in Turkey and live in a country with such a rich history, but also about the doors Fulbright would open for my future.

My professors in EHS have certainly been the most instrumental in helping me get this award. From Dr. Lena Lee inspiring me in my introduction to education class to Dr. Tom Romano inviting me to present with him at the Ohio Council for Teachers of English Language Arts conference, I have been amazed by the amount of personal investment I have received. Dr. Marc Nachowitz taught me an incredible amount of practical skills for the classroom and helped me brainstorm ideas for my Fulbright essays when I was completely stuck. I am incredibly grateful to the professors who believed in me and provided me with the tools to pursue my dreams.

I plan to return to Ohio as a high school English teacher after my time in Turkey. The experience teaching a diverse range of students as well as teaching English as a second language will prepare me to teach diverse students or English language learners in Ohio. I am thrilled to have this opportunity, and I’m so grateful for everyone that has helped me accomplish this goal. I cannot wait for the adventure this next year will hold!”